A Virginia family has a message for other parents after losing their son to meningitis.

According to WTVR, 4-month-old Killy Schultz died on June 30, 24 hours after developing a rash and fever on the way home from day care.

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“He had just eaten his bottle for the afternoon. He was a little warm, but we figured it was a warm day so get him home and let him cool off,” Killy’s mother, Alex Dempsey, said.

When Tylenol didn't work, Killy's parents rushed him to the emergency room. As hours passed, his condition worsened and he was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.

“He was still trying to make little sounds, but he had a hard time opening his eyes and his blood pressure was very low. He wasn’t doing well at all,” said Dempsey.

Several tests later, doctors informed the parents that Killy had most likely contracted meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The child had just received his 4-month-old vaccinations two days beforehand.

“The moment they said meningitis I knew there was a really strong possibility that we were going to lose him,” explained Dempsey. “They told us we were going to hit the window if he was going to make it or not but being he was only four months old he didn’t really have an immune system to help us with that.”

The 4-month-old took his last breath 24 hours after the first symptom appeared.

“He was so swollen and purple, and it really didn’t look like him anymore, but I still hold him to tell him how beautiful he was, and he was far more than I ever deserved to have, and I told him how hard he had fought, and that we were so proud of him,” she said.

The Virginia Department of Health is investigating and provided the family with information on steps they have taken for those exposed.

“Everyone who had any chance of coming in contact with it has taken a prophylaxis measure of antibiotics which is what they had us do as well,” said Dempsey. “They also made sure his day care and all the children in his day care also received the preventative treatment.”

Health care officials told Dempsey they believe an unvaccinated person was carrying meningitis and Killy happened to come into contact with that person.

“If anything comes out of this we want people to be aware that vaccinations can prevent things like this. Vaccines aren’t just for kids, they’re for adults too. He was just a baby, so he really didn’t have much of a chance,” said Dempsey.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with funeral expenses.